Market Segment:
High-performance compact executive car (Sports Sedan/Coupe)
Key Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz C-Class AMG, Audi S4, Lexus IS350
Performance Focus:
Renowned for its driver engagement, handling, and powerful naturally aspirated engine.
Iconic Status:
Part of the legendary M division lineup, celebrated for motorsport heritage.
Chassis Design:
E46 platform, praised for its balanced chassis and responsive steering.
Engine:
S54 naturally aspirated inline-6, VANOS, throttle bodies, lubrication, cooling, exhaust
Transmission:
Getrag 420G 6-speed manual, clutch, driveshaft, differential
Brakes:
Front M Compound disc brakes (325mm), rear disc brakes (320mm), ABS, DSC, hydraulic system
Suspension:
Front McPherson strut with lower control arm, rear multi-link, adaptive M suspension (optional), steering system
Electrical:
Engine management (DME MS43/MS43.1), body control modules (BCM), comfort systems, lighting, diagnostic procedures (OBD-II)
Bodywork:
Chassis, body panels, doors, windows, convertible top (if applicable), interior trim
HVAC:
Climate control system, refrigerant handling, diagnostics
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, fluid checks, brake fluid flush
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, fault code interpretation, wiring diagrams, component testing
Repair:
Engine rebuild, transmission overhaul, brake caliper replacement, suspension component renewal, electrical component repair
Installation:
Component replacement (e.g., alternator, starter, fuel pump), alignment procedures
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of BMW-specific tools for various procedures
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering from routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical schematics and diagnostic flowcharts.
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Inline-6
Displacement:
3.2 Liters (3246 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
87.0 mm x 91.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
11.5:1
Valvetrain:
DOHC, 24 valves, Double VANOS
Horsepower Us Spec:
333 hp @ 7900 rpm
Torque Us Spec:
262 lb-ft @ 4900 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (SEFI)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded (91+ Octane)
Induction:
Individual throttle bodies (6 total)
Type:
Getrag 420G 6-speed Manual
Type:
SMG (Sequential Manual Gearbox) - Automated Manual
Clutch:
Hydraulically actuated, single dry plate
Gear Ratios Manual:
1st: 4.23, 2nd: 2.50, 3rd: 1.67, 4th: 1.23, 5th: 1.00, 6th: 0.83
Final Drive Ratio:
3.62:1
Transmission Fluid:
BMW MTF-LT-2 (or equivalent)
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-Star
NHTSA Side Impact:
4-Star
IIHS Frontal Offset:
Good
ABS:
Standard (Anti-lock Braking System)
Dsc:
Standard (Dynamic Stability Control)
Traction Control:
Standard (Automatic Stability Control + Traction - ASC+T)
Airbags:
Driver, front passenger, front side-impact airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel with pretensioners and force limiters
Rollover Protection:
Pop-up roll bars (Convertible)
Head Unit:
BMW Business CD, optional BMW Professional CD, optional Navigation System Professional
Audio System:
Standard 6-speaker system, optional Harman Kardon Logic 7
Parking Sensors:
Optional (Park Distance Control - PDC)
Auxiliary Input:
Not standard, often aftermarket additions
Bluetooth:
Optional (BMW Assist with Bluetooth)
Oil Service Interval:
Condition-based (typically 7,500-15,000 miles or annually)
Microfilter Replacement:
Every 2 years or 30,000 miles
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 60,000 miles
Engine Oil Type:
BMW Longlife-01 (e.g., Castrol EDGE 10W-60 or Synthetic 5W-40)
Engine Oil Capacity:
7.0 Liters (7.4 US Quarts)
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 ethylene glycol based)
Rod Bearings:
Increased wear potential, particularly with aggressive driving or improper maintenance. Manual covers inspection and replacement procedures.
Vanos:
Solenoid wear and pump issues can cause rough idle and power loss. Manual provides diagnostic steps and repair procedures.
Throttle Actuator Motors:
Can fail, leading to limp mode. Manual details testing and replacement.
Cooling System:
Plastic expansion tank and water pump can become brittle. Manual covers inspection and replacement.
Brand Legacy:
BMW, a century-old German manufacturer renowned for producing high-performance luxury vehicles with a strong motorsport background.
E46 Generation:
The E46 M3 represents the third generation of the M3, succeeding the E36 M3 and introducing a more powerful and refined platform.
S54 Engine Introduction:
Features the iconic S54 engine, which also powered the Z3 M and Z4 M models, celebrated for its high-revving nature and motorsport DNA.
Production Years E46 M3:
2000-2006
Manufacturing Location:
Regensburg, Germany
Body Styles:
Coupe and Convertible
